Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday is warning residents to be aware of an emerging, but not uncommon, government imposter scam that involves a spoofed phone number and threats of arrest by the “sheriff’s office.”
The scammers call with a spoofed phone number — meaning it appears to be from a legitimate government agency — and demand money so the target can avoid being arrested.
Pennsylvanians should be aware that these calls are fraudulent and are advised not to pay any money.
“Scammers will do anything to take advantage of hardworking Pennsylvanians, including scaring their targets into making payments,” Sunday said. “Be aware that a sheriff or sheriff deputy will not call you offering a ‘second chance’ from being arrested.”
In most cases, the scammer will notify the target that there is an unpaid ticket or some other legal matter, and that a sheriff deputy is on their way with a warrant for arrest. They will offer the resident a “lifeline” to make an immediate payment via gift cards, wire transfer, or utilizing a cryptocurrency ATM.
The scammer will be insistent so to not have you hang up the phone or call them back.
“As someone who has spent nearly 40 years in law enforcement, I find this scam particularly infuriating because these criminals are exploiting the trust that good people have in my office,” Bucks County Sheriff Fred Harran said. “These criminals use fear to short-circuit your good judgment. Don’t let them. The single most powerful tool you have is the ‘end call’ button.”
If you get a call like this, authorities advise asking the caller to provide their badge number, the law enforcement agency they represent, and a phone number for their office. Then, ask to hang up and call them back immediately using that official number to confirm their identity. If they refuse, it’s a scam.
Officials also emphasized that no law enforcement agency, government office, or court will ever demand payment of a fee through gift cards or cryptocurrency.
If you receive a call and want to confirm your local sheriff’s department, call 800-441-2555.
The Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection advises that if you have recently sent money to an individual suggesting they work for law enforcement, and believe you were scammed, to contact your bank and the third-party money transmitter you used immediately to attempt to cancel the payment.
Pennsylvanians who believe they have been victims of a government imposter scam can file a complaint with the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection by visiting attorneygeneral.gov.
